"Proud Of Isan" is the theme of Isan Creative Festival 2024 to promote the rich cultural tapestry of the region, mainly in the Kungsadan, Columbo and Srichan areas of Khon Kaen province from June 29 to July 7.
In its fourth edition, the nine-day festival will take place daily from 11am to 9pm at various venues including TCDC Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen University, Columbo Creative Community, Khon Kaen Innovation Centre, Ad Lib Khon Kaen Hotel, Vector Coffee Roaster and more.
Visitors will get immersed in the region's unique and admired culture presented through over 200 programmes, covering design, arts, crafts, Isan fusion food and entertainment.
They are divided into five categories -- "Showcase And Exhibition", "Talk And Workshop", "Event And Entertainment", "D-Kak Market", and "Creative District Project", all of which are designed to serve as a platform for creativity and innovation for Isan creators and communities. Here are some of the highlight activities.
Molam music and dance. (Photos: Creative Economy Agency)
"Molam Music Experience" invites molam enthusiasts to step into the shoes of modern molam music and create their own unique style with the "Interactive Wall" at the Gallery of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Khon Kaen University, from June 29 to July 7.
"Molam Idol Audition", held in collaboration with Workpoint Channel 23 for the first time, is looking for the next big star in the molam music scene. It will be open on July 5 and 6 from 3pm to 7pm at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts Theater, Khon Kaen University.
Isan fashion.
The same venue will host "Isan Short Films" featuring 12 short films by 12 teams of young filmmakers from the "Isan Summer Camp 2024: Sincere Short Film", held in collaboration with ThaiPBS, on June 30 from 1pm to 4pm. Then, cinephiles can stay put and watch five more short movies which will premiere during "Isan Full Of Stories" from 5pm to 7pm.
For avid art collectors, the festival will feature the largest art trade show in Isan, "Kupper Art Fest 2024", at Khon Kaen Innovation Centre, from June 29 to July 1.
The Srichan area.
Shoppers will enjoy lifestyle products, fashion textiles, jewellery and home decorations by Isan designers at "Isan Showcase"; look for high-quality crafts and local delicacies from all over Isan at "D-Kak Market"; and witness value added products made from natural fibres by Isan talents at "Isan Fiber Lab". The three events will take place at TCDC Khon Kaen from June 29 to July 7.
Besides exploring premium ingredients from Isan at "Isan Zaap Bar" at the Gallery Room of TCDC Khon Kaen, foodies will also discover a new standard for Thai street food along Kalpapruek Road where they can indulge with convenient, clean and safe food, throughout the festival.
Visit Isancreativefestival.com or facebook.com/isancreativefestival.
A fabric exhibition.
